Do you prefer a fuzzy kitten over a kitten with not so fluffy qualities? How can you tell if a kitten will become a fuzzy cat or long-haired cat when it grows up, or if they will have a shorter coat of fur?

Shutterstock | Fuzzy kitten

Here are a few fuzzy kitten qualities to look out for, along with tips on how to best take care of them. Those fuzzy coats do require a little more work, so read on to make sure a fuzzy kitten is the best fit for you and your home.

Will a Fuzzy Kitten Remain Fuzzy?

All kittens seem to be pretty fluffy, but how do you know if your kitten will remain a fuzzy kitten, or if their coat will become shorter and smoother as they grow up? Luckily, there are a few tell-tale signs you can look out for.

Tufts of fur between the toes – look for little bits of hair sticking out from between the kitten’s toes. This is a trait that most medium and long-haired cats will have.

Ear tufts – not only will a kitten who will grow up to be a longer haired cat have tufts of fur between their toes, but they’ll also tend to have longer tufts of hair in their ears as well!

Opt for an older kitten – this is probably the easiest way to make sure you’re getting the fuzzy kitten you’re looking for. If the kitten is a little older, it’ll be pretty obvious that their hair is longer than others.

Also, a kitten will better adjust to your home if they’ve had more time around other kittens and cats since they’ll help it understand proper kitty manners. Having a kitten that knows when a bite is too rough, or how to use their cat litter box properly is always a plus.

How to Take Care of a Fuzzy Kitten

One of the most important things you can do for a fuzzy kitten is to get them used to being groomed. An adult fuzzy cat that won’t let you groom them isn’t going to do anyone any favors. Here are the best ways to ensure that your fuzzy kitten learns to enjoy being groomed.

Handle them often – as kittens, spend time handling their tail, bellies, and feet. Always be very gentle and loving so they can associate this with positive feelings.

Be gentle with detangling – if your cat has knots in their fur, use a wide-tooth comb and be as careful as possible and work slowly.

Brush often and choose the right brush – you’re going to want a handy-dandy grooming brush made especially for long-haired cats. Brush your kitten at least 1-2 times a day to get them used to the process, and to help avoid new knots from forming.

Learn to Brush the right way – always brush in the direction the fur actually grows in. It isn’t comfortable for the cat if you brush in the opposite direction.

Be Careful with the hindquarters – the bitter truth about long-haired kittens is that they might get their hindquarters dirty after using the litter box. Keep that area clean and trimmed to help them avoid having those issues.

Popular Fuzzy Kitten and Long-Haired Cat Breeds

Shutterstock | Ragdoll kitten

Maine Coon Cats

If you want a fuzzy kitten, this is a fluffy kitten! Even better, Maine Coon cats are known for being very friendly, which is very helpful when you need to do a little fluffy cat coat maintenance.

Ragdoll Cats

This fuzzy kitten will grow up to be a lovable furball beyond measure. Ragdoll cats are known for being big sweeties who have a reputation for going limp in your arms when you carry them – hence the name, ragdoll.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Maybe you not only want a fuzzy kitten, but a very large fuzzy kitten? Well, you’re in luck! Norwegian Forest Cats can tip the scales at up to 16lbs in weight, and they’re known for being both athletic and playful.

A Norwegian Forest cat will need a little more maintenance in the spring and fall, since that fuzzy coat of theirs will shed at those times.

Persian Cats

When people think of fuzzy kitten, they typically think of Persian cats, and for good reason. These cats certainly remain fuzzy, and they also tend to have calm, friendly attitudes.

Just know that their shorter noses can mean they need a little more healthcare than most and that they’re prone to sneezing.

Rescue and Non-Pedigreed Cats

While you might think of certain cat breeds like the ones mentioned above when you’re searching for a fuzzy kitten, don’t forget about your local animal shelter and cat rescues. They’ll have plenty of longer-haired cats available for you to choose from, especially during kitten season.

However, don’t forget that even fuzzy adult cats can make for amazing pets, and even better – you’ll already know what their adult coat looks like. It sounds like a win-win situation to me!